19 Principles for Stronger Chess

In General
1. MAINTAIN MATERIAL EQUALITY, unless sacrificing for an attack.
2. Ask yourself, "WHAT IS MY OPPONENT THREATENING?"
3. Look for THREATS on the ENEMY CAMP.
The Opening
4. OPEN WITH A CENTER PAWN (e, d, or c pawn), and PLAY FOR CONTROL OF THE CENTER (d4, e4, d5,
e5).
5. MOVE BOTH CENTER PAWNS TWO SQUARES as soon as safely possible.
6. DON'T MOVE MORE THAN 3 PAWNS in the opening. Usually, the opening is over when you have
castled and your R's are "talking" (connected on your 1st rank!).
7. MOVE KNIGHTS BEFORE BISHOPS, and KNIGHTS AND BISHOPS BEFORE ROOKS.
8. DON'T MOVE THE SAME PIECE TWICE--except for equal trades toward the center. (Instead,
develop: move pieces safely toward the center, castle, connect Rooks, and attack.)
9. CASTLE EARLY (between move 4 and 20). Don't move pawns in front of your castled King until the
end game--unless you must defend.
10. DON'T MOVE YOUR QUEEN EARLY--when you move the Q, be sure it can not be attacked
immediately by enemy P's, N's, B's, or R's.
The Middle Game
11. GAIN SPACE ON YOUR OPPONENT'S SIDE OF THE BOARD--opportunities for tactics/tricks, increase
as you gain space.
12. DON'T ALLOW YOUR OPPONENT TO GAIN SPACE in your territory--especially the enemy Knights!
13. USE PAWN LEVERS (pawn pushes and captures) to open files and diagonals.
14. MOVE ROOKS TO OPEN FILES; DOUBLE R's ON OPEN FILES; MOVE R's TO THE 7TH RANK; DOUBLE
R's ON THE 7TH RANK. MOVE BISHOPS TO OPEN DIAGONALS and KNIGHTS TO SAFE OUTPOSTS.
15. MAKE DOUBLED PAWNS, ISOLATED PAWNS, and BACKWARD PAWNS in your opponent's position,
and ATTACK them. Avoid them in your position.
16. MAKE PASSED PAWNS and threaten to promote them to Queens.
17. TRADE PIECES (Q's, R's, B's, and N's) WHEN AHEAD IN MATERIAL. AVOID TRADING PIECES WHEN
BEHIND IN MATERIAL--instead, trade pawns when behind.
18. ATTACK THE ENEMY KING WITH CHECKMATING THREATS.
The End Game
19. MOVE THE KING TO THE CENTER when safe, and USE THE KING AS AN ATTACKING PIECE. The end
game is usually considered to begin when each side has only a King, 1 or 2 pieces, and pawns.

Prepared by: Coach/Trainer AFM Rodney V. Palaming 09509509621

 THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF THE
OPENINGS
 
The study of the opening demands a lot of time and effort in classifying systems/variations to prepare
one’s repertoire. But before a player dwells too much in the study of numerous chess material he must
understand the general ideas underlying it.
The immediate deployment of one’s pieces is the very aim of the openings and it must be directed
towards the center squares.
The side that has more influence of the center theoretically controls more space, this advantage we
can call ‘initiative’.
 
a. Control the center with pawns
b. Develop knights before bishops
c. Castle early
d. Do not move the same piece twice, only when necessary
e. Do not put out the queen too early
f. As much as possible refrain from playing pawn moves such as h3, a3, a6, and h6.
g. Be alert of the opponent’s threats
h. After castling use your rook to influence the center.

Morphy,P - Consultants [C41]

Paris, 1858
As you already know the player who mobilizes his forces faster will be able to start the attack first,
successfully carry out a combination and gain victory. The following very well known game is a good
illustration of that rule.
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6
This opening is called Philidor's Defense in honor of Francois Andre Philidor, an outstanding chess player of
the past.
3.d4 Bg4 [3...Nf6 is better.]
4.dxe5 Bxf3
[Otherwise White wins a pawn after 4...dxe5 5.Qxd8+ Kxd8 6.Nxe5]
5.Qxf3 dxe5 6.Bc4
Threatens mate on f7.
6...Nf6? Mistake. [Best is 6...Qd7, although after 7.Qb3 c5 8.Be3 Nc6 9.Nc3 Na5 10.Qb5
Nxc4 11.Qxc4 Nf6 12.Rd1± White has an advantage. ]
7.Qb3 Double blow (f7+b7)! And White wins a Pawn.
7...Qe7 Black hopes to give up the pawn in order to compel the exchange of Queens (8.Qb7
Qb4+) and thereby avoid an attack. [If 7...Qd7?, then so 8.Qxb7 Qc6 9.Bb5 with the capture of the Queen. ]
8.Nc3 White continues the development of his pieces.
8...c6 Black is compelled to protect the b7-Pawn, which is a waste of time.
9.Bg5 b5? Counting on playing 10...¤d7 after the retreat of White's Bishop. But there follows...
10.Nxb5!! a very important moment of the game. White sacrifices the Knight to clear the
lines along which his pieces will rush to attack the King. This is nothing accidental. It is in accordance with
the laws of chess strategy that the side, which mobilizes its forces quickly and outstrips the opponent in
development, should strive to open up the lines. And vice versa, the side that lags behind in development
should avoid moves, which might open lines. His forces are not ready to the open battle and will be thrown
down by the opponent's pieces a very important moment of the game. White sacrifices the Knight to clear
the lines along which his pieces will rush to attack the King.

Prepared by: Coach/Trainer AFM Rodney V. Palaming 09509509621

Po s itio n afte r
10. Nxb5!!

10...c xb5 11.Bxb5+ Nbd7 12.0–0–0 Rd8

[Not much be tte r is 12...Qb4 afte r which the re ca n follow 13.Bxf6 gxf6 (13...Qxb3
14.Bxd7#) 14.Bxd7+]
13.Rxd7! By s a crificing the e xcha nge White e limina te s the Knight tha t
de fe nds his King, a nd puts into a tta ck the s e cond Rook.
13...Rxd7 14.Rd1 Qe 6
[If Fa lls 14...Qb4, the n s o 15.Bxf6 gxf6 16.Bxd7+]
15.Bxd7+ Nxd7 16.Qb8+! Nxb8 17.Rd8# 1–0

Position after
17. Rd8 mate!

EVALUATION & PLANNING

“The Key To All Chess Positions”
Introduction:
 
Every chess player must learn how to evaluate a position. Of course evaluation or analysis depends
on the level of knowledge and experience that a player has.
The demands of time in the study and understanding of many positions has been the call of many
players.
Basically we know that there are three stages in a game of chess the Opening, The Middle game and
The Endgame.

Prepared by: Coach/Trainer AFM Rodney V. Palaming 09509509621

 We also know that there are many principles that guide us on how to continue and play in the
different stages of the game.
When a player evaluates a position he sees the different aspects of the position. Example: the
comparison of the different pieces (with the opponents’) in respect to their positions, the structure or the
placement of the pawns.
Others include the basic counting of material, position of the king and many more. Also it is very
important to consider the tactical possibilities of both sides.
 

Because of this, our knowledge and experience creates familiar positions in which we select our
moves and satisfy our objectives.
These positions we call “SCHEMES”.
The many schemes that we formulate are very much inter-related. These “little plans” constitute the basic
means of Evaluation and Planning.
1. WHAT IS EVALUATION OR ANALYSIS?
Evaluation or Analysis is the sum total of the many aspects of a given chess position. It is like
identifying the different functions and comparisons of the pawns and pieces.
2. WHY DO WE NEED TO EVALUATE OR ANALYSE A POSITION?
The need to know the details of a chess position will be your basis on how to formulate a plan in
the middle game.
3. WHEN DO WE EVALUATE OR ANALYSE?
Normally we calculate moves over the board and we choose our moves based upon our
knowledge and experience. This knowledge and experience came from our games and the guiding rules
and principles that we have learned when we knew our first steps in chess.
As a rule we must evaluate right after the opening after we have completed our development of
the pieces and castled our king to safety.
4. HOW DO WE EVALUATE OR ANALYSE A POSITION?
Actually there are two kinds of analysis, namely CONCRETE and GENERAL.
Concrete analysis is when we think of moves and trying to satisfy ourselves on what we see in
our calculation. This is normally done when tactics are involved. Done when it’s our move.
General analysis is when we ask ourselves what are we going to do in a position. How do we
continue? If there are two to three choices of sound moves we have to find out through evaluation what is
the best plan in the position. Normally done if it’s your opponent’s turn.
BASIC QUESTIONS OF ANALYSIS:
Material --- Who is ahead in Material?
Mobility --- Who has the Better Piece Mobility?
Pawn Structure --- Who has the Better Pawn Structure?
Tactical Possibilities --- What are the Tactical Possibilities in the Position?
King Position --- Who has the Better King Position? 

Prepared by: Coach/Trainer AFM Rodney V. Palaming 09509509621

TYPES OF ADVANTAGES:
- Permanent Advantage –
o Normally this is related to the Pawn Structure or Material Balance e.g. (Advantage in
Material Without any Compensation, Pawn Weaknesses, Weak Squares, Exposed King, An
uncontested Rank, File or Diagonal)
o Structural, Space, Material

- Temporary Advantage-
o This is related to the time or moves to be made to improve the position e.g. (Badly Placed
Piece or Pieces, Development Advantage, A Tactical Possibility of an Attack against the
King or Pieces)
o Development, Positional, Mobility

EXAMPLE POSITIONS FOR EVALUATION

1. Bxf6 Bxf6 2. Bd5! 1… d5! Petrosian – Smyslov, Moscow, 1949

1. dxe5! dxe5 1. c5!

Botvinnik – Kan, Leningrad, 1939 Botvinnik – Flohr, Moscow, 1936

Prepared by: Coach/Trainer AFM Rodney V. Palaming 09509509621

 1… e4! 2. fxe4 Bxc3 3. bxc3 f4! Botvinnik - Zagoriansky
Pilnik – Geller, Gothenburg, 1955 Sverdlovsk, 1943

Thomas – Alekhine Najdorf – Averbakh

Petrosian,T - Smyslov,V [B84]

URS-ch17 Moscow, 1949
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Be2 e6 7.0–0 Be7 8.Be3 0–0 9.f4 Qc7 10.f5 [ 10.Qe1 … £g3] 10...e5
11.Nb3 b5 12.a3 Bb7 13.Bf3 Rd8 14.Nd2 [ 14.g4 d5 15.exd5 e4 16.Nxe4 Nxd5 17.Qe2 Nd7©] 14...Nbd7 15.Kh1 Rac8
16.Qe2 Nb6 17.Qf2 Nc4 18.Nxc4 Qxc4 19.Bg5 h6 20.Bxf6 Bxf6 21.Rad1 Qc5 22.Be2 [ 22.Qxc5 Rxc5] 22...Qxf2 23.Rxf2
d5!
24.Nxd5 [ ¹24.exd5 e4 25.Nxe4 Bxb2 26.Bf3 Bxa3 27.Rd3] 24...Bxd5 25.exd5 Rxc2 26.b3 e4! …27...e3 27.g4 e3 28.Rg2
Rd2 29.Rxd2 exd2 30.Bd1 Rxd5 31.Kg1 Kf8 32.Kf1 Bg5 33.a4 h5 34.h3 h4 35.axb5 axb5 36.Rf2 Ke7 37.Rf3 Re5 38.Be2
Rd5“ [ 38...Be3 39.f6+ gxf6 40.Rf5] 39.Bd1 Kf6 40.Rc3 Bf4 41.Ke2 Kg5 42.Rf3 b4 43.Kf1
[ 43.Rd3 Re5+ 44.Kf2 Re1 45.Bf3 f6 46.Be2 Rh1] 43...Re5 44.Be2 Be3 45.Bd1 Kf6 46.Be2 Re4 [Smyslov] 0–1
Botvinnik,M - Kan,I [E24]
URS-ch11 Leningrad (10), 1939
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Nf3 c5 5.a3 Bxc3+ 6.bxc3 Qa5 7.Bd2 Ne4 8.Qc2 Nxd2 9.Nxd2 d6 10.e3 e5 11.dxe5 dxe5
12.Bd3 h6 13.0–0 0–0 14.f4 Nd7 15.f5 Nf6 16.Ne4 Qd8 17.Nxf6+ Qxf6 18.Be4 Rb8 19.Rad1 b6 20.h3 Ba6 21.Bd5 b5
22.cxb5 Rxb5 23.c4 Rb6 24.Rb1 Rd8 25.Rxb6 axb6 26.e4 Bc8 27.Qa4 Bd7 28.Qa7 Be8 29.Rb1 Rd6 30.a4 Kh7 31.a5
bxa5 32.Qxa5 Ra6 33.Qxc5 Ra2 34.Qe3 Qa6 35.Rb8 Qa4 36.Kh2 Ra3 37.Qc5 Ra2 38.Ra8 Qxa8 39.Bxa8 Rxa8 40.Qxe5
Bc6 41.Qc7 1–0
Botvinnik,M - Flohr,S [B05]
Moscow Moscow, 1936
1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 Bg4 5.Be2 c6 6.0–0 dxe5 7.Nxe5 Bxe2 8.Qxe2 Nd7 9.f4 e6 10.c4 N5b6 11.Be3 Be7
12.Nc3 0–0 13.Rf3 Qe8 14.Rd1 Rd8 15.b3 f5 16.Nd3 Bf6 17.Bf2 Qf7 18.Ne1 Rfe8 19.Rfd3 Nf8 20.Nf3 Qc7 21.Ne5
Nbd7 22.Qd2 Be7 23.Nf3 Nf6 24.Qc1 Ne4 25.Ne5 Nxf2 26.Kxf2 Nd7 27.Qe3 Nxe5 28.fxe5 Qa5 29.a4 Rd7 30.g3 Qd8
31.Kg2 Bg5 32.Qf3 Qe7 33.c5 a5 34.Nb1 Qf8 35.Na3 Bd8 36.Nc4 Bc7 37.Nd6 Rb8 38.Rb1 Qd8 39.b4 axb4 40.Rxb4
Bxd6 41.exd6 Qa5 42.Rdb3 Re8 43.Qe2 Qa8 44.Re3 Kf7

Prepared by: Coach/Trainer AFM Rodney V. Palaming 09509509621

45.Qc4 b5 46.Qc2 Rxd6 47.cxd6 c5+ 48.Kh3 cxb4 49.Qc7+ Kg8 50.d7 Rf8 51.Qd6 h6 52.Qxe6+ Kh7 53.Qe8 b3 54.Qxa8
Rxa8 55.axb5 Rd8 56.Rxb3 Rxd7 57.b6 Rb7 58.Kg2 Kg6 59.Kf3 Kf6 60.Rb5 Ke6 61.Ke3 Kd6 62.Kd3 Kc6 63.Kc4 Kd6
64.Rd5+ Kc6 65.Rc5+ Kd6 66.Kb5 1–0
Botvinnik,M - Zagoriansky,E [A13]
Sverdlovsk Sverdlovsk (6), 1943
1.Nf3 d5 2.c4 e6 3.b3 Nf6 4.Bb2 Be7 5.e3 0–0 6.Nc3 c5 7.cxd5 Nxd5 8.Nxd5 exd5 9.d4 cxd4 10.Qxd4 Bf6 11.Qd2 Nc6
12.Be2 Be6 13.0–0 Bxb2 14.Qxb2 Qa5 15.Rfd1 Rad8 16.Rd2 Rd7 17.Rad1 Rfd8 18.h3 h6 19.Ne5 Nxe5 20.Qxe5 Qc5
21.Bf3 b6 22.Qb2 Rc8 23.Qe5 Rcd8 24.Rd4 a5 25.g4 Qc6 26.g5 hxg5 27.Qxg5 f6 28.Qg6 Bf7 29.Qg3 f5 30.Qg5 Qe6
31.Kh1 Qe5 32.Rg1 Rf8 33.Qh6 Rb8 34.Rh4 Kf8 35.Qh8+ Bg8 36.Rf4 Rbb7 37.Rg5 Rf7 38.Qh5 Qa1+ 39.Kg2 g6 40.Qxg6
Bh7 41.Qd6+ Rfe7 42.Qd8+ 1–0
Pilnik,H - Geller,E [B59]
Gothenburg Interzonal Gothenburg (15), 1955
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 d6 6.Be2 e5 7.Nb3 Be7 8.0–0 0–0 9.Be3 Be6 10.Bf3 a5 11.Nd5 Bxd5
12.exd5 Nb8 13.c4 Na6 14.Bd2 b6 15.Bc3 Nc5 16.Nxc5 bxc5 17.Qe1 Nd7 18.Bd1 a4 19.Bc2 f5 20.Rd1 g6 21.Qe2 Bf6
22.f3 e4 23.Bxf6 Qxf6 24.fxe4 f4 25.Rf2 Ne5 26.Rdf1 Qh4 27.Bd1 Rf7 28.Qc2 g5 29.Qc3 Raf8 30.h3 h5 31.Be2 g4
32.Rxf4 Rxf4 33.Rxf4 Rxf4 34.g3 Nf3+ 35.Kf2 Qxh3 36.gxf4 g3+ 37.Kxf3 g2+ 38.Kf2 Qh2 0–1
 Thomas,G - Alekhine,A [B02]
Baden-Baden Baden-Baden, 1925
1.e4 Nf6 2.d3 c5 3.f4 Nc6 4.Nf3 [ 4.c3?! d5 5.e5 Nd7 6.Nd2 e6 7.Ndf3 Qb6 8.Be2 f6! 9.exf6 Nxf6 10.Nh3 Bd6 11.0–0
Bd7 12.Kh1 0–0–0µ Wolf-Becker, FRG 1923] 4...g6 5.Be2 Bg7 6.Nbd2?! [ 6.c4!? × d5 … =] 6...d5 7.0–0 0–0 8.Kh1 b6³
9.exd5 Qxd5 [ 9...Nxd5 10.Ne4 ”] 10.Qe1 [ 10.Ne5 Nxe5 11.fxe5 Qxe5 12.Nc4 ( 12.Bf3 Rb8 13.Nc4 Qc7) 12...Qe6
13.Bf3 Nd5µ] 10...Bb7 11.Nc4 Nd4 12.Ne3 Qc6 13.Bd1 Nd5! 14.Nxd4 [ 14.Nxd5 Qxd5 15.Qxe7 Rfe8 16.Qg5 Nxf3
17.Bxf3 Qxg5 18.fxg5 Bxf3 19.gxf3 Re2µ] 14...cxd4 15.Nxd5 Qxd5 16.Bf3 Qd7 17.Bxb7 Qxb7 × c2 18.c4 dxc3! 19.bxc3
Rac8 20.Bb2 Rfd8 21.Rf3 Bf6 22.d4µ × c3, c4, d5 [ 22.Qd2 Qc6 23.Rc1 Qa4 24.Ba1 Rd5µ 25.c4? Rxc4] 22...Qd5 23.Qe3
Qb5! 24.Qd2 Rd5 25.h3 e6 26.Re1 Qa4 27.Ra1 b5 28.Qd1 Rc4 29.Qb3 Rd6 30.Kh2 Ra6 31.Rff1 Be7 32.Kh1 Rcc6
33.Rfe1 Bh4! [ 33...Bd6? 34.Rxe6! fxe6 35.Qxe6+ Kg7? 36.d5! … c3-c4 ‚] 34.Rf1 [ 34.Re2 Qxb3! 35.axb3 Rxa1+ 36.Bxa1
Ra6 37.Bb2 Ra2 38.b4 ( 38.Kh2 a5!µ) 38...Bg3 39.d5 Bxf4–+ ( 39...exd5 40.c4„) ] 34...Qc4 … ¦aa4, ¦ca6 35.Qxc4 Rxc4
36.a3 Be7 37.Rfb1 Bd6! 38.g3 Kf8 39.Kg2 Ke7 40.Kf2 Kd7 41.Ke2 Kc6 42.Ra2 Rca4 43.Rba1 Kd5 44.Kd3 R6a5 45.Bc1
a6 46.Bb2 h5! 47.h4 f6 48.Bc1 e5 49.fxe5 fxe5 50.Bb2 [ 50.dxe5 Bxe5 51.Bf4 ( 51.Rg2 Rg4–+) 51...Bxf4 52.gxf4 Ke6!–
+] 50...exd4 51.cxd4 b4 52.axb4 Rxa2 53.bxa5 Rxb2 0–1
Najdorf,M - Averbakh,Y [E18]
Candidates Tournament Zurich (22), 10.10.1953
1.c4 Nf6 2.Nf3 e6 3.g3 b6 4.Bg2 Bb7 5.0–0 Be7 6.d4 0–0 7.Nc3 Ne4 8.Qc2 Nxc3 9.bxc3 Nc6 10.Ne5 Na5 11.Bxb7
Nxb7 12.Qa4 d6 13.Nd3 Na5 14.c5 Qe8 15.Qxe8 Rfxe8 16.Rb1 Rec8 17.h4 d5 18.Bf4 f6 19.Nb4 a6 20.cxb6 cxb6
21.Bd2 Nc4 22.Be1 Bxb4 23.cxb4 Na3 24.Rb3 Nb5 25.e3 Rc2 26.a4 Nd6 27.a5 b5 28.Rc3 Rc8 29.Rxc8+ Nxc8 30.f3 Ne7
31.Bf2 Kf7 32.Rb1 Nf5 33.Kf1 Nd6 34.Rb3 Nc4 35.Kg2 f5 36.Rb1 Nxe3+ 37.Kg1 f4 38.gxf4 Nf5 39.Kf1 g6 40.Rb3 Ke7
41.Rb1 Kd7 0–1

BUILDING UP YOUR OPENINGS 

Improving your openings normally depends on how you recall and understand opening
principles and plans.
Opening systems that are given in manuals and various chess materials such as software help us
learn by studying them systematically.
The more you understand your openings the easier for you to gain a plus early in the game; the
mistakes of your opponents then will lead you to an advantage of either development or material gain.
Let us explore some openings:

Prepared by: Coach/Trainer AFM Rodney V. Palaming 09509509621

 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 f6? A lot of kids play this defending
move which is just bad: it weakens the a2-g8
diagonal and the f6 square is not available for the
Knight. 3.Bc4 Nc6 4.d4 exd4 5.Nxd4 (Diagram)
Notice the exposed state of the black position;
blunders are possible here. 5...Bc5?? 6.Qh5+ This
wins the bishop on c5. 6...g6 7.Qxc5+-

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.c3 The Guico

Piano. White's plan is to control the center
immediately with d4. 4...Nf6 5.d4 exd4 6.cxd4
Bb4+ (Diagram)

This is black's best move; others are bad. [6...Bb6

7.d5 Na5 8.Bd3 White dominates the center; 6...Be7
7.e5 Ng4 8.h3 Nh6 9.d5 Nb8 White is clearly
better.] 7.Nc3 Nxe4 8.0-0 After giving up a pawn,
white even more offers material to create an attack
against the castled king, clearly an important
principle "Castle early" should be remembered.
8...Nxc3 9.bxc3 Bxc3 10.Qb3 Now white gives up
a whole rook to mount a mating attack or win of
decisive material. 10...Bxa1 11.Bxf7+ Kf8
[11...Ke7?? 12.Bg5++-] 12.Bg5 Ne7 13.Re1+-
(Diagram)

After this white wins black's queen. 13...d6

14.Bxe7+ Qxe7 15.Rxe7 Kxe7 16.Bg8 Bd7
17.Qf7+ Kd8 18.Qxg7+- winning.

IMPORTANCE OF THE CENTER

In our previous session, the control of the center in the openings depends on how we deploy our
pawns and pieces. The general principles guide us in the development of our forces and safety of the king.
Today the understanding of key moves and plans in the opening reflect on the knowledge we
have in the study of various opening systems. An access to numerous chess material is a great opportunity
for study, but not all have this chance.
Therefore it is just appropriate to further the discussion of the principles in the early middle game. A proper
identification of schemes towards the center will help us understand the basic plans of center pawn
formations.

Prepared by: Coach/Trainer AFM Rodney V. Palaming 09509509621

THE CLOSED CENTER
This is defined as center pawns blocking each other and making it difficult for the pieces to
make contact. With the center closed, play is normally transferred to the wings.
Each side tries to open up a file in a flank particularly for his rooks creating mobility; open lines
for his pieces this is achieved by ‘pawn breaks’ or ‘pawn levers’ in the structure.
Lilienthal,A - Kan,I [E94]
Moscow Moscow (4), 1935
When studying this game, please pay special attention to how White prepares and carries out a queenside
pawn offensive supported by light and heavy pieces.
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 d6 3.Nc3 Nbd7 4.e4 e5 5.Nf3 g6 6.Be2 Bg7 7.0–0 0–0 8.d5 Nc5
The outlines of the closed center have appeared. 9.Qc2 a5 The main plans in positions like that are the
following: White prepares an approach on the queenside and Black on the kingside. With his last move
Black tries to strengthen the position of the c5-knight; aggravating the realization of White's plan 10.Be3 b6
11.Nd2 the knight vacates the f3-square for the pawn. White is preparing to meet Black's approach on the
kingside by playing f3 and Bf2.
11...Ne8 12.a3 f5 13.f3 f4 Black gives up the idea of undermining the center and begins an attack on the
kingside.
14.Bf2 Na6 15.Rab1 Qg5 The queen should not be placed in front of the pawns, and one-move threats (like
16... Bh3) are easily parried. It was probably better to continue the offensive with the g- and h-pawns.
16.Rfc1 h5
White prepares for his queenside approach improving the position of his rooks, while Black still relies on his
queen.
17.Kh1 Qh6 18.b4 axb4 19.axb4 g5 20.Na4 Bd7 21.c5!
Now it becomes clear that White will carry out his break on the queenside faster than Black on the kingside.
21...Nxc5 22.Nxc5 [Not playable was 22.bxc5? because of 22...Bxa4
23.Qc3 bxc5] 22...bxc5 23.bxc5 g4 24.cxd6 cxd6
White has completely opened the queenside. He occupies two open files and is ready to intrude into the
opponent's rear attacking the just formed weakness on d6. On the other hand, Black's play on the opposite
side of the board has not come very far.
25.Nc4 gxf3 26.gxf3 Bh3 27.Bf1 Bxf1 [On 27...Bd7 would follow 28.Nb6 Ra7 29.Nxd7 Rxd7 30.Bh3 Rc7
31.Be6+ Kh8 32.Qa4±] 28.Rxf1 After the exchange of the bishops the light squares in Black's position have
become very weak. 28...h4 29.Rg1 Black's offensive on the kingside was not supported by his rooks, and
now White has seized the g-file with his heavy pieces himself.
29...Qh5 30.Nd2 Kh8 31.Rg4 Bf6 32.Rbg1 Rd8 33.Qc6 Qh7 The center is still closed, but now the main
events are transferred to the kingside. 34.Nc4 Qe7 This move allows White to carry out an effective
finishing combination. However it is hard to give Black any good advice 35.Bxh4! Rf7 [ In case of
35...Bxh4 would follow 36.Nxe5 and if falls 36...dxe5 then so 37.Qh6+ Qh7 38.Qxf8+ Qg8 39.Qxg8#]
36.Rg8+ Kh7 37.Bxf6 Rxf6 38.Qa4 The queen is transferred to the kingside in order to deliver the decisive
blow. 38...Rh6 39.Qa2 Rc8 40.Qg2 [And Black resigned in view of the following lines: 40.Qg2 Qf6 a)
40...Qf7 41.Nxd6 Rxd6 (a) 41...Nxd6 42.Qg7+ Qxg7 43.R1xg7#) 42.Qh3+ Rh6 43.Rh8+ Kxh8 44.Qxh6+
Qh7 45.Qf8+ Qg8 46.Qxg8#; b) 40...Rxc4 41.Rh8+ Kxh8 42.Qg8#; 41.Nxd6 Rc2 42.Qxc2 Nxd6 43.Qg2]
1–0
Prepared by: Coach/Trainer AFM Rodney V. Palaming 09509509621
THE OPEN CENTER
In an open center in most cases the center pawns are exchanged early and the role of the pieces
become greater. The value of tempo is so much increased that in symmetrical positions it could spell the
difference in gaining an advantage.
The heavy pieces particularly the rooks play the strongest factor in obtaining the
initiative. Tactics is the primary eye in every open position.
Chigorin - Forgacs [C55]
Nuremberg
1.e4 e5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.Bc4 Nxe4 5.Nxe4 d5 6.Bd3 dxe4 7.Bxe4 Bd6 8.d4 exd4 9.Nxd4 Nxd4
10.Qxd4 0–0 11.Be3 Qe7 12.0–0–0 Be5 13.Qd3 f5 14.Bd5+ Be6 15.Rhe1 Kh8 16.Bxe6 Qxe6 17.Kb1 Qf6
18.Bd4 Bxd4 19.Qxd4 Qxd4 20.Rxd4 Rfe8 21.Re3 Rxe3 22.fxe3 Kg8 23.Rd7 Re8 24.Rxc7 Rxe3 25.Kc1
Re2 26.g3 b6 27.Rxa7 Rxh2 28.Ra6 Rh3 29.Rxb6 Rxg3 30.a4 Re3 31.a5 Re8 32.a6 Ra8 33.b4 h5 34.b5 h4
35.Rc6 1–0
CHECKMATES IN ONE MOVE
(All white to play)

CHECKMATES IN TWO MOVES

Prepared by: Coach/Trainer AFM Rodney V. Palaming 09509509621

INTRODUCTION TO CHESS TACTICS
TACTICAL THEME 1: “REMOVAL OF THE GUARD”
This tactical theme ‘removal of the guard’ focuses on getting rid of the piece or pawn that protects
a certain piece or square. The main objective is either winning material or mating the opposing king.
1. WHITE WINS 2. WHITE MATES 3. WHITE WINS

Prepared by: Coach/Trainer AFM Rodney V. Palaming 09509509621

 4. WHITE WINS 5. WHITE WINS 6. WHITE WINS

TACTICAL THEME 2: “DISTRACTION”

This tactical theme ‘distraction’ focuses on forcing a piece or pawn to move away from protecting a
certain piece or square.
1. WHITE WINS 2. WHITE WINS 3. WHITE MATES

4. WHITE MATES 5. WHITE MATES 6. WHITE MATES

TACTICAL THEME 3: “DECOYING”

This tactical theme ‘decoying’ focuses on luring a piece or pawn to a ‘mined square’ that results in
a fork, pin, or a discovered attack.

Prepared by: Coach/Trainer AFM Rodney V. Palaming 09509509621

 1. WHITE WINS 2. WHITE WINS 3. WHITE WINS

4. WHITE WINS 5. WHITE WINS 6. WHITE WINS

TACTICAL THEME 4: “DISCOVERED ATTACK”

This tactical theme ‘discovered attack’ creates a threat that when a file, rank, or diagonal is
opened, normally this is accompanied by a check, very similar to a discovered check.
1. WHITE MATES 2. WHITE MATES 3. WHITE MATES

4. WHITE MATES 5. WHITE MATES 6. WHITE MATES

Prepared by: Coach/Trainer AFM Rodney V. Palaming 09509509621

 ENDGAMES
BASIC ROOK ENDGAMES
As an introduction rook endgames comprises 70% of all endings and it is the most difficult of all
piece endgames to play, which is why we need to know what to do in situations where rooks are left in the
board.
After learning two key theoretical positions in rook endings, we now discuss the important maneuvers of
the rook. At first, we know that the rook has a value of five points, making it the second strongest piece
after the queen. In a game of chess, the movement of the pieces, their mobility, is essential if we intend to
reach a certain goal. That is why rooks need to be very active.
“The Cut Off”:
Black threatens to advance his passed pawn with the help of the king. White must use ‘cut off’ to prevent
the Black king from aiding the pawn.

Prepared by: Coach/Trainer AFM Rodney V. Palaming 09509509621

 1.Rb5 Cutting off the king! 1...h5 2.Kb7 h4 3.Kc6
h3 4.Rb3 h2 5.Rh3 Winning the pawn next move

“Intermediate check”:
Black plans to play h5; White’s king is far away. He must try to gain some tempo to delay Black’s advance.
1.Rg1+ An important check! 1...Kf5 [1...Kf3 2.Rh1 Wins
the pawn.] 2.Rh1 Forcing the king further back. 2...Kg6
3.Kb7 h5 4.Kc6 Kg5 5.Kd5 Kg4 6.Ke4 h4 7.Rg1+ Kh3
8.Kf3 Kh2 9.Rg4 h3 10.Rg3 and wins.

“Put rooks behind passed pawns”: This rule is 95% true in all rook endings that is why we must remember
it!
1.Ra4 Tying down Black's rook, this forces the
opposing king to help its piece which passive on
the queenside. 1...Kf6 2.Kf3 Ke6 3.Ke4 h5 4.f4 f5+
5.Kd4 Kd6 6.Ra3 Kc7 7.Kc5 Kb7 8.Kb5 Rd6 9.a6+
advancing the passed pawn. 9...Ka7 10.Kc5 Re6
11.Kd5 White's king goes to the kingside and
makes the final breakthrough with the help of the
rook. 11...Rb6 12.Re3! Rxa6 [12...Kxa6 13.Re6+-]
13.Re7+ Kb8 14.Re6 Ra3 15.Rxg6+- White wins all
black pawns.

Prepared by: Coach/Trainer AFM Rodney V. Palaming 09509509621

 EXERCISES IN ROOK ENDINGS
1. WHITE TO PLAY 2. BLACK TO PLAY 3. WHITE TO PLAY

How can white win? How can Black draw? How can White win?
Use a maneuver. Use tactics!

4. WHITE TO PLAY 5. BLACK TO PLAY

White king is stuck in the How will Black draw?

corner, how to win?

BISHOP VS KNIGHT ENDGAMES

(Knight is Stronger than Bishop)
The knight becomes superior to the bishop if pawns are fixed. As a rule “knights are better in blocked
pawn positions”.
Because the knight can jump to every square in the board, this ability can attack pawns on any square.
Furthermore when the bishop’s pawns are of his color, the passive state of the bishop increases the chances
of a knight win.
In some cases, the knight can become a good blockader of passed pawns.

1. = 2. … = 3. WHITE WINS

Prepared by: Coach/Trainer AFM Rodney V. Palaming 09509509621

 4. WHITE TO PLAY
1.h4 Bg7 [1...Be7 2.Nxe7 Kxe7 3.Kd5+- White wins
the pawn ending.] 2.b4 Bh8 3.c4 bxc4 4.b5 Bg7
5.Nc3 Making way for the king on d5. 5...Ke6 6.b6
Kd7 7.Kd5 e4 8.Nb5 c3 9.b7 c2 10.b8Q c1Q
11.Qxd6+ Kc8 12.Qe6+ Kb8 13.Qb6+ Kc8 14.Nd6+
Kd7 15.Qb5++- White wins in all variations.

5. WHITE TO PLAY

1.Kf2 In this position, the helplessness of the bad

bishop is clear due to his pawns. 1...Ke7 2.Ke3 Kd8
3.Kd4 Kc7 4.Kc5 Both kings are fixed, time to
maneuver the knight and attack the black pawns.
4...Bc8 5.Nb4 Bb7 6.g3 Bc8 7.Nd3 Bd7 8.Nf4 g6
9.Nh3 h6 10.Nf4 g5 11.Nh5 Be8 12.Nf6 Bf7 13.Ng4
h5 14.Ne3 Bg6 15.h4 gxh4 16.gxh4 Be4 17.Nf1 Bf3
18.Nd2 Be2 19.Nb3 Bg4 20.Nd4 Bh3 21.Ne2 Bf5
22.Nf4 Bg4 23.b4 Zugzwang and wins.

BISHOP VS KNIGHT ENDGAMES

(Bishop is Stronger than Knight)
As an introduction Bishop versus Knight endgames are unique in a sense because these minor pieces
are of equal points/value, but very much different in terms of movement. ‘A bishop is generally better than a
knight’- is the first rule in minor piece endgames simply because of the difference in mobility.
Furthermore the bishop can help his passed pawn from afar at the same time stop enemy passed
pawns, therefore with pawns on both sides in an open game, the bishop is superior. In some cases, the bishop
can trap a knight or hinder its movement leaving the opposing side to a state of ‘zugzwang’.
1. WHITE TO PLAY 2. WHITE TO PLAY

Prepared by: Coach/Trainer AFM Rodney V. Palaming 09509509621

 3 BLACK TO PLAY
1...Bd8 Tying down the knight. 2.Nc5+ Kc6 3.Nd3 Bc7
Stopping counterplay. 4.b4 e5 Creating a passed pawn
and readying king centralization. 5.Kd2 e4 6.fxe4 fxe4
7.Nf2 Kd5 8.Ke3 f5 White is almost in zugzwang, the
rest is clear. 9.Ke2 f4 10.gxf4 Bxf4 11.h3 Be5 12.Kd2
e3+ 13.Kxe3 Kc4 14.Ne4 Bxc3 15.Nc5 Bd4-+

4 BLACK TO PLAY

1...b5 Dislodging the knight and begins to attack the a3

pawn, tying the knight. 2.Nd2 Be7 3.Nb1 b4 Encircling
the knight with the help of the b-pawn. 4.a4 [4.axb4
Bxb4 5.d4 Kc6 6.Kd3 Kd5 7.h3 a5-+] 4...Bd6 5.h3 Bf4
Trapping the knight and forces a won pawn ending.
6.d4 Kc6 7.Kd3 Kd5 8.h4 g6 9.h5 gxh5 10.gxh5 h6
Zugzwang! 11.a5 a6-+

Pawn Endings
Introduction:
The main objective of all pawn endgames is to promote your pawns to queens and gain material
advantage, and then eventually mate the opposing king. Pawn endgames represent the foundation of all
endgames. We have to master them in order to understand the various transpositions coming from the higher
forms of endings.
Learning the many strategic ideas and devices help the student select the right plan of action. In most cases
the value of tempo/extra move is so important that it affects the overall outcome of a situation. Precision is
required in calculating pawn endings.
OPPOSITION
Opposition can be defined as “when two kings face each other in odd numbered squares either
vertically, horizontally or diagonally, the side that moved last has the opposition”.
Opposition can be used in attack:
- The king breaking through the enemy pawns and capturing them.
- The king controlling a passed pawn’s key squares of promotion.
Opposition can be used in defense:
- The king defending an inferior position not letting the opposing king enter his position.
KINDS OF OPPOSITION
There are various kinds of opposition namely:
a. Frontal or Vertical Opposition

Prepared by: Coach/Trainer AFM Rodney V. Palaming 09509509621

b. Lateral or Horizontal Opposition
c. Diagonal Opposition / Virtual
d. Distant Opposition / Equidistant
White to play Black draws!
1. Ke5 Ke7! ; 1. Kc5 Kc7!
Black to play White wins!
1… Ke7
2. Kc6! Kd8
3. Kd6 Ke8
4. Kc7 wins controlling the d8-square

Black to play White wins!

1… Ke6 2. Kc5 wins
1… Kc6 2. Ke5 wins
White to play Black draws
1. Kc3 Kd5 2. Kd3! =
1. Ke3 Kd5 2. Kd3!=
1. Kd3?? Kd5! Black wins!

EXERCISES
WHITE TO PLAY AND WIN WHITE TO PLAY AND DRAW

Prepared by: Coach/Trainer AFM Rodney V. Palaming 09509509621

 WHITE TO PLAY AND DRAW WHITE TO PLAY AND DRAW

BLACK TO PLAY AND DRAW WHITE TO PLAY AND WIN

CORRESPONDING SQUARES (Triangulation)

This position illustrates the concept of
triangulation or ‘the theory of corresponding
squares’. White’s objective is to get into the b6
square and capture the a6-pawn or to control the
c-pawn’s promoting squares, but it is his turn.
Therefore he has triangulate and pass the move to
black.
1.Kd5 Kc8 (1...Kd8 or Kb8 2. Kd6 wins.) 2.Kc4 Kd8
3.Kd4 Kc8 4.Kd5! Zugzwang!

White to play and win

Prepared by: Coach/Trainer AFM Rodney V. Palaming 09509509621

 RULE OF THE SQUARE
RETI’S STUDY

The ‘rule of the square’ allows one to determine

whether or not a king can stop a pawn from
promoting.
White just played 1. g2-g4. Black can stop the g-
pawn by entering the square of the pawn with 1…
Kc4! Drawing.

White to play and draw!

Famous study by GM Richard Reti highlights the

importance of this king maneuver ‘rule of the
square’.
1. Kg7 h4 2. Kf6 Kb6 (2…h3 3. Ke7!=) 3. Ke5
Kxc6 4. Kf4=.

-
SHOULDERING THE KING
Shouldering is the king’s ability to delay the
opposing king at the same time achieving his
desired objective squares. The king can either use
a maneuver called ‘curving’ or an additional
tempo of a pawn.
The ‘curving maneuver’ Ke6-d5-c6-b7 followed by
the capture of the a-pawn wins for white. While
the ‘straight’ Ke7-d7-c7-b7 only draws because
the Black king can go Kc3-d4-e5-d6-c7

Prepared by: Coach/Trainer AFM Rodney V. Palaming 09509509621

 EXERCISES

White to play and win White to play and win

PAWN BREAKTHROUGH
A pawn breakthrough involves a sacrifice of one or more pawns in order to create a passed pawn. This
device is very common in all forms of endgames.
As a guide there are conditions that contribute to this device:
a. Pawns must be near the queening square, therefore having extra space.
b. Opponent’s pawns are doubled pawns.
c. Pawns hinder its own king, thereby cannot stop the passed pawn from promoting.

WHITE WINS WITH 1. b6! WHITE WINS WITH b5 or c5!

3) White to play and win, 4) Black to play and win, 5) Black to play and win

Prepared by: Coach/Trainer AFM Rodney V. Palaming 09509509621

 Various Pieces in Play
Some endgame positions that are worthy of close study.

Diagram 1: This is the winning theoretical position of Queen vs.

Rook. One must remember that White must force Black the
move.

1.Qd4+ Ka8 [1...Ka6 2.Qa4#] 2.Qh8+ Ka7 3.Qd8 The

triangulation of the Queen! Forcing the Black rook to
move away from the Black king. 3...Rb1 4.Qe7+ Ka8
[4...Ka6 5.Qa3#] 5.Qf8+ Ka7 6.Qg7+ Ka8 7.Qh8+ Ka7
[7...Rb8 8.Qa1#] 8.Qh7++- Winning the rook using the
stairway check!

Diagram 2: The Queen wins against pawns on the b, d, e, and g

files. The rest depends on the position of the White king.

1.Qc4+ Kd1 2.Qb3+ Kc1 3.Qc3+ Kb1 Forcing the Black

king in front of the pawn, in turn giving the White king
time to come near the pawn. 4.Kg7 Ka2 5.Qc2 Ka1
[5...Ka3 6.Qb1] 6.Qa4+ Kb1 7.Kf6 Kc1 8.Qc4+ Kd2 9.Qb3
Kc1 10.Qc3+ Kb1 11.Ke5 Ka2 12.Qc2 Ka1 13.Qa4+ Kb1
14.Kd4 Kc1 15.Kc3 b1Q 16.Qf4+ Kd1 17.Qd2#

Diagram 3: An exception to the rule, being the king too far away.
The White king uses the shadow of the queen to come nearer the
pawn.

1.Kb6 Kb2 2.Ka5+ Kc1 3.Qh1+ Kb2 4.Qg2+ Kb1 5.Kb4 a1Q
6.Kb3 and wins

Diagram 4: Black threatens to advance his passed pawn and with

the help of the king. White must use ‘cut off’ to prevent the Black
king from aiding the pawn.

1.Rb5 Cutting off the king! 1...h5 2.Kb7 h4 3.Kc6 h3

4.Rb3 h2 5.Rh3 Winning the pawn next move.

Diagram 5: Rook vs. Knight is a draw; one must know the drawing
position and method of defense. As a rule the knight must always
be near the king since straying away can lead to its loss.

1...Na7+ 2.Kb6 Nc8+ 3.Kc6 Na7+ 4.Kb6 Nc8+ 5.Ka6 Nd6

6.Rd7 Nc8 Draw![ 6...Nc4 7.Kb5 Ne5 8.Re7 Nd3 9.Re4
And the knight is in danger of being captured.]

Diagram 6:Rook vs. Bishop is a draw; one must know the right
corner, which is the ‘wrong colored corner’ of the bishop.

1.Rg7 [1.Rf8 Stalemate!] 1...Be5 2.Ra7+ Kb8 3.Re7

Threatening mate and the bishop...But... 3...Bd4+! 4.Kc6
Ka8 And the White king is ejected from the important b6
square, so draw!

Prepared by: Coach/Trainer AFM Rodney V. Palaming 09509509621

 Diagram 7: Black plans to play h5; White’s king is far away. He
must try to gain some tempi to delay Black’s advance.

1.Rg1+ An important check! 1...Kf5 [1...Kf3 2.Rh1 Wins

the pawn.] 2.Rh1 Forcing the king further back. 2...Kg6
3.Kb7 h5 4.Kc6 Kg5 5.Kd5 Kg4 6.Ke4 h4 7.Rg1+ Kh3 8.Kf3
Kh2 9.Rg4 h3 10.Rg3 And wins.

Diagram 8: This position is not winnable for White. Black has

built a fortress.

1.Qe4+ Kh8 2.Qe8+ Kh7 3.Qe7 Rh6 4.Qf7 Rf6 5.Qe7 Black
cannot be in zugzwang, so draw!

Diagram 9: This position too is a fortress. Black must be careful

with just one position.

1.Qd4+ Kg8 2.Qh4 Rg6 3.Qh5 Re6 [3...Kg7 This is a

blunder. 4.Qxg6+ fxg6+ 5.Ke6 Kh7 6.Kf7 Wins the pawn
ending.] 4.Qd1 Kg7 so draw.

Diagram 10: As a rule the knight has great difficulty against rook
pawns. They can draw on the 6th rank.

1.Kg2 Kb3 2.Nc1+ Kb2 3.Nd3+ Kc3 4.Nc1 Kb2 5.Nd3+ Kb1
6.Nb4 The knight halts the pawn advance!

Diagram 11: Here the draw is easy the knight being a flexible
piece.

1...Kc2 2.Na3+ Kb3 3.Nb1 Ka2 4.Nd2 The knight is too

nimble! Draw.

Prepared by: Coach/Trainer AFM Rodney V. Palaming 09509509621

 THE PRINCIPLE OF TWO WEAKNESSES
(Attacking Two Points in a Position)

The principle of two weaknesses can be defined as ‘an attack on two points on the chessboard’. Basically when you
attack two pieces at the same time this can be called a double attack; but in this case, we are focusing on targets such as
squares and pawns.

This form of strategy is very useful in grinding down through defenses and fortresses. Let us take some basic
endgame examples and apply the ‘principle of two weaknesses’.

1/W 2/W 3/B

TRANSFORMATIONS TO THE ENDGAME  

A unique theme in the later part of the middle game, the aspect of simplification of positions helps understand how to
transform one favorable situation to another; making it easier for us to realize our advantage.

The term ‘simplification’ in chess refers to exchanging or sacrificing material in order to change a complicated position to a
simpler one; the transformation depends on the goal we are aiming for whether a win or a draw.

1/B(=) 2/W(+ -) 3/W(+ -)

Prepared by: Coach/Trainer AFM Rodney V. Palaming 09509509621

 4. W (+-) 5. B (-+) 6. W (+-) 7. W (=) 8. B (-+) 9. W (+-)

IDENTIFYING TACTICS
By chess definition - tactics is the execution of a plan – it is the means to win the game or to draw; it is present
in every phase of a chess struggle.
The ability to identify tactics depends on how we observe the various interactions of the many pieces in the
board. Learning the fundamental motifs/themes and applying it regularly either by exercises or practical play will
make us good tacticians.
But always remember: good tactics on your side only comes with sound positions; that’s why we have to
value the ideas and principles learned and apply them in our games. We must build up our position correctly to
achieve tactics.
As for defense, especially in difficult and inferior positions, the anticipation of opponent’s threats helps us
resist longer and even win some cases.

Prepared by: Coach/Trainer AFM Rodney V. Palaming 09509509621

Examples:
1W 2W 3B

Black has a weakness… How can White create attack? White played h5??

4W 5W 6W

Black played Ne4?? Black opened up with e5?! White played Qxc5?? …

7B 8W 9W

Find Black’s best move… Black just played Qxd4?? Find White’s best move…

Prepared by: Coach/Trainer AFM Rodney V. Palaming 09509509621

 EXERCISES

1/B 2/W 3/W

4/B 5/W 6/B

MORE ON INTERMEDIATE TACTICS

TACTICAL THEME: REMOVING THE GUARD
II. TACTICAL THEME: DISTRACTING
III. TACTICAL THEME: DECOYING
IV. TACTICAL THEME: DISCOVERED ATTACK
V. TACTICAL THEME: OPENING OF A FILE, RANK, OR DIAGONAL
VI. TACTICAL THEME: CLEARING THE SPACE
VII. TACTICAL THEME: BLOCKADE
VIII. COMBINED TACTICAL THEMES
IX. TACTICAL THEME: DEMOLITION OF PAWN STRUCTURE
X. TACTICAL THEME: CONVERSION OF PAWN
XI. TACTICAL THEME: CUTTING LINES OR DAMMING

Introduction:
Every chess player has two basic skills and they must be improved gradually. These are the ability to
calculate moves and the ability to visualize the position. The study and application of tactics is the most direct
way of improving one’s abilities.

The following instructions must be strictly implemented in order to maximize the benefits of this lesson:
1. Make sure to set up the position correctly.
2. Each diagram has two solutions, one for White and one for Black.
3. Give yourself enough time to solve one side and write down the moves.
4. As much as possible do not move the pieces, try to visualize the moves in your mind’s eye.
5. When time has elapsed, play over the solution and look for possible defenses for the other side.
6. Always remember to look for mate, if not, then win of material!

Prepared by: Coach/Trainer AFM Rodney V. Palaming 09509509621

 I. TACTICAL THEME: REMOVING THE GUARD

II. TACTICAL THEME: DISTRACTING

III. TACTICAL THEME: DECOYING

Prepared by: Coach/Trainer AFM Rodney V. Palaming 09509509621

 IV. TACTICAL THEME: DISCOVERED ATTACK

V. OPENING OF A FILE, RANK, DIAGONAL

Prepared by: Coach/Trainer AFM Rodney V. Palaming 09509509621

 VI. TACTICAL THEME: CLEARING THE SPACE/SQUARE

VII. TACTICAL THEME: BLOCKADE

Prepared by: Coach/Trainer AFM Rodney V. Palaming 09509509621

 VIII. COMBINED TACTICAL THEMES
Instruction: Answer the following positions by using the various themes discussed in our lessons. There
are two solutions in each diagram one for white and one for black.

Prepared by: Coach/Trainer AFM Rodney V. Palaming 09509509621

Black to mate Black to win Black to mate

White to mate. White to mate White to win

Black to mate Black to mate Black to mate

White to mate White to mate White to mate

Black to mate Black to mate Black to mate

White to mate White to mate White to mate

Black to mate Black to mate Black to mate

White to win White to mate White to mate

IX. TACTICAL THEME: DEMOLITION OF PAWN STRUCTURE

This tactical theme focuses on opening up or getting rid of the pawn structure around the
castled king eventually giving mate or winning big material.
Prepared by: Coach/Trainer AFM Rodney V. Palaming 09509509621
 1. White mates/Black mates 2. White wins/Black wins

3. White mates/Black wins 4. White mates/Black to win

5. White mates/Black mates 6. White mates/Black mates

7. White mates/Black mates 8. White mates/Black mates

Prepared by: Coach/Trainer AFM Rodney V. Palaming 09509509621

 9. White mates/Black mates 10. White mates/Black mate/win

11. White mates/Black wins 12. White wins/Black mate/win

X. TACTICAL THEME: CONVERSION OF PAWN

This tactical theme focuses on promoting a pawn that will eventually win or gain big material.
1. White to win; Black to win 2. White to win; Black to win

3. White to win; Black to win 4. White to win.

Prepared by: Coach/Trainer AFM Rodney V. Palaming 09509509621

 9. White to win. 10. White to win.

11. White to win. 12. White to win.

13. White to win. 14. White to win.

15. White to win. 16. White to win.

XI. TACTICAL THEME: CUTTING LINES OR DUMMING

This tactical theme focuses on the cutting the protection of pawns and pieces, making it
possible to continue an attack on a specific target. The main objective is either winning material or
mating the opposing king.
Instructions: Two solutions one for White and one for Black!

1. W/B 2. W/B 3. W/B 4. W/B

Prepared by: Coach/Trainer AFM Rodney V. Palaming 09509509621

 ADVANCE TACTICS
I. TACTICAL THEME: MATING ATTACK 1

1/B 2/W 3/W

4/W 5/B 6/B

7/W 8/W 9/B

10/W 11/W 12/W

Prepared by: Coach/Trainer AFM Rodney V. Palaming 09509509621

 II. TACTICAL THEME: MATING ATTACK 2
7B 2B 3W

4W 5W 6W

7W 8B 9W

10B 11W 12W

Prepared by: Coach/Trainer AFM Rodney V. Palaming 09509509621

 III. TACTICAL THEME: DECOYING
1B 2W 3W

4W 5B 6W

7W 8W 9B

10W 11W 12W

Prepared by: Coach/Trainer AFM Rodney V. Palaming 09509509621

 IV. TACTICAL THEME: DECOYING 2
1W 2W 3W

4W 5W 6W

7W 8W 9W

10W 11W 12W

Prepared by: Coach/Trainer AFM Rodney V. Palaming 09509509621

 V. TACTICAL THEME: DEFENSE AND COUNTERPLAY

1W 2B= 3B=

4B 5B= 6B=

7B= 8W= 9B=

10B= 11B= 12B=

Prepared by: Coach/Trainer AFM Rodney V. Palaming 09509509621

 VI. TACTICAL THEME: DISCOVERED ATTACK
1w 2w 3w

4w 5b 6b

7w 8w 9w

10w 11b 12w

Prepared by: Coach/Trainer AFM Rodney V. Palaming 09509509621